Palmer hangs on to Lotus race seat chance for 2016

Lotus reserve driver Jolyon Palmer believes he is being considered for a full-time drive with the team next season.

Deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi recently indicated that both Pastor Maldonado and Romain Grosjean have secure contracts with Lotus for 2016, with Lotus keen to keep Palmer as reserve.

But on the back of some strong Friday FP1 performances, in which the reigning GP2 champion has been consistently faster than Madonado, the British driver has been told that an opening to graduate to a race seat next year may exist.

“I don’t want to be a test driver again next year," Palmer told Sky Sports. "My aim is still to be racing with Lotus and that is why I am here for the year to be racing. I have been told there could be an opportunity so I just have to try my best and show the team why they should take me.

“There is not much more to say, I am getting some time in the car, so at least I am getting an opportunity and as far I am aware there could be a chance so I am just trying to grab it with both hands.”

Click here for a look at the technical updates brought to the British Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Grégory Demoen

Recent Posts

F1 boss Domenicali on why Apple TV will shatter ESPN’s records

Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…

8 hours ago

Sainz reveals ‘not ideal’ reality shared with Alonso

Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…

9 hours ago

Horner names the true culprits of his Red Bull exit

Christian Horner has offered a revealing look back at his dramatic exit from Red Bull…

11 hours ago

McLaren Majesty: When Prost and Lauda stood alone

Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the…

12 hours ago

Coulthard on why Bottas has the edge over Perez at Cadillac

Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac is already under the microscope – and he…

13 hours ago

‘Not pure Formula 1’: Verstappen fires fresh salvo at 2026 cars

After pre-season testing in Bahrain gave F1’s drivers their first real taste of the sport’s…

15 hours ago